LEGO
Horizon Adventures
Working on the trailer for LEGO Zero Horizon Dawn was a truly breathtaking experience. As part of the team at Passion Pictures, I was tasked with developing the rigging systems for the 3D LEGO assets, a challenge that combined technical rigor with creative ingenuity. Unlike traditional rigs, which allow for deformations like squash and stretch, these LEGO rigs had to maintain structural integrity and avoid any intersections while still providing precise and realistic movement. Each joint required careful calibration to offer full range of motion, staying true to the mechanics of LEGO bricks and creature limb setup.
To streamline this process, I automated the rigging setup for several of the LEGO builds. Every brick in these models had a unique identifier (UID), enabling me to use Python scripts to scan the topology of each piece, identify pivot points, and rebuild complex structures with the click of a button. This level of automation not only improved efficiency but also ensured the integrity of the rigs with each update. The ability to work on creatures like the Thunderjaw, Tallneck, Shell-Walkers (Crabs), Stalkers, Ravagers and Watchers, each with upwards of 2,000 bricks, was an incredibly rewarding challenge.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this project was the collaboration with LEGO Master Builders. These experts provided weekly—and often daily—updates to the physical models, requiring the digital rigs to be constantly adapted. The iterative nature of this process meant staying flexible and innovative, especially when integrating new pieces or redesigns into the rigs. My Python scripts played a crucial role here, automatically assigning connecting pieces and flagging areas needing manual adjustments, which significantly sped up the workflow.
The animators at Passion Pictures were nothing short of phenomenal. Their attention to detail and the dynamic animation styles they brought to life were awe-inspiring. Rigging these LEGO creatures to match their vision was one of the most technically demanding yet creatively fulfilling projects of my career. Their animations captured the essence of Horizon Zero Dawn while embracing the playful, modular nature of LEGO, resulting in a unique aesthetic that was both beautiful and immersive.
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As a gaming fan, when time permits, I downloaded the original Horizon Zero Dawn to conduct research and deepen my knowledge. Experiencing the game firsthand gave me invaluable insights into how the rigs needed to behave in motion. This exploration also deepened my appreciation for the masterful work of the animators and post team Passion Pictures. Their ability to translate the intricate designs of the LEGO creatures into such stylised, captivating animations was truly a sight to behold.
This project stands out as one of the most beautiful I have worked on along with being the most technically demanding. The balance between technical precision and creative artistry pushed me to new heights in my craft. Rigging the LEGO Thunderjaw, Tallneck, Shell-Walkers (Crabs), Stalkers, Ravagers and Watchers was an unforgettable experience, and seeing these creations come to life in such a stunningly animated trailer was a career highlight. It was a privilege to contribute to a project that blended innovation, collaboration, and artistic excellence so seamlessly.
